That the Parliament congratulates Monklands musicians on their outstanding success at the recent Celtic Connections festival, in particular Benedict Morris on his fantastic achievement in being crowned BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year; further congratulates the Coatbridge flautist, Sarah Markey, on reaching the top five finalists despite tough competition; notes that both musicians honed their skills from a very young age with St Patrick's CEE Comhaltas Branch in Coatbridge; believes in the importance of music lessons being available to all young people, and wishes these young musicians well in their future music careers.

That the Parliament congratulates Monklands musicians on their outstanding success at the recent Celtic Connections festival, in particular Benedict Morris on his fantastic achievement in being crowned BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year; further congratulates the Coatbridge flautist, Sarah Markey, on reaching the top five finalists despite tough competition; notes that both musicians honed their skills from a very young age with St Patrick's CEE Comhaltas Branch in Coatbridge; believes in the importance of music lessons being available to all young people, and wishes these young musicians well in their future music careers.

That the Parliament acknowledges the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution; recognises what it sees as the immense achievements of the republic since the revolution, such as building world-class health and education systems and achieving huge decreases in poverty, despite what it considers the economic suffering under the decades-long blockade by the United States; notes what it considers Cuba’s unparalleled record of international solidarity by sending medical workers to the world’s poorest regions; considers that Cuba leads the fight against Ebola and sent the largest contingent of medical workers to Haiti in the aftermath of its devastating 2010 earthquake; recalls the words of Nelson Mandela, who, when referring to the Cuban volunteers driving apartheid forces out of Angola, said that “the Cuban internationalists have made a contribution to African independence, freedom and justice unparalleled for its principled and selfless character”, and believes that the legacy and spirit of the revolution lives on with what it sees as the many great achievements of the small socialist state, which it considers is an international beacon inspiring future generations and showing that another world is possible.

That the Parliament acknowledges the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution; recognises what it sees as the immense achievements of the republic since the revolution, such as building world-class health and education systems and achieving huge decreases in poverty, despite what it considers the economic suffering under the decades-long blockade by the United States; notes what it considers Cuba’s unparalleled record of international solidarity by sending medical workers to the world’s poorest regions; considers that Cuba leads the fight against Ebola and sent the largest contingent of medical workers to Haiti in the aftermath of its devastating 2010 earthquake; recalls the words of Nelson Mandela, who, when referring to the Cuban volunteers driving apartheid forces out of Angola, said that “the Cuban internationalists have made a contribution to African independence, freedom and justice unparalleled for its principled and selfless character”, and believes that the legacy and spirit of the revolution lives on with what it sees as the many great achievements of the small socialist state, which it considers is an international beacon inspiring future generations and showing that another world is possible.

Supported by: Neil Findlay

That the Parliament welcomes the Bishops' Conference to an event in the Garden Lobby on 27 November 2018, which will showcase the contribution that the Catholic Church makes to society in Scotland and at which the relics of St Andrew will be on display in a rare appearance; further welcomes the exhibition for Members that has organised by the Scottish Catholic Education Service to mark the centenary of the Education (Scotland) Act 1918 and will include a replica of the stunning new icon, Jesus our Teacher, which was designed by the Coatbridge-based artist, Bernadette Reilly; acknowledges that the event is the first visit to the Parliament by the conference, and notes that it is taking place in the same week as Red Wednesday, which will see campaigns taking place globally in protest against people being persecuted for peacefully practicing their Christian faith.

That the Parliament welcomes the Bishops' Conference to an event in the Garden Lobby on 27 November 2018, which will showcase the contribution that the Catholic Church makes to society in Scotland and at which the relics of St Andrew will be on display in a rare appearance; further welcomes the exhibition for Members that has organised by the Scottish Catholic Education Service to mark the centenary of the Education (Scotland) Act 1918 and will include a replica of the stunning new icon, Jesus our Teacher, which was designed by the Coatbridge-based artist, Bernadette Reilly; acknowledges that the event is the first visit to the Parliament by the conference, and notes that it is taking place in the same week as Red Wednesday, which will see campaigns taking place globally in protest against people being persecuted for peacefully practicing their Christian faith.

That the Parliament notes with concern the recent publication of a number of reports that show that deep-rooted poverty and inequality persists in Scotland’s communities; understands that revelations from these reports include that, in the last 12 months, at least 94 rough sleepers died on Scotland’s streets and that at least one in 10 people living in the poorest areas of Scotland ran out of food due to a lack of money, and that life expectancy in Scotland has fallen for the first time in 35 years and remains the lowest of all nations in the UK; believes that, while UK Government changes to the benefit system are a significant driver of poverty, the Scottish Government has failed to use the devolved powers adequately to challenge and address the root causes of poverty and inequality, including those perpetuated by the policies of the UK Government, and, in doing so, calls for an end to austerity in Scotland.

That the Parliament notes with concern the recent publication of a number of reports that show that deep-rooted poverty and inequality persists in Scotland’s communities; understands that revelations from these reports include that, in the last 12 months, at least 94 rough sleepers died on Scotland’s streets and that at least one in 10 people living in the poorest areas of Scotland ran out of food due to a lack of money, and that life expectancy in Scotland has fallen for the first time in 35 years and remains the lowest of all nations in the UK; believes that, while UK Government changes to the benefit system are a significant driver of poverty, the Scottish Government has failed to use the devolved powers adequately to challenge and address the root causes of poverty and inequality, including those perpetuated by the policies of the UK Government, and, in doing so, calls for an end to austerity in Scotland.

Supported by: Monica Lennon

Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 24/10/2018

That the Parliament acknowledges a report by Citizen Advice Scotland (CAS) showing that 26.5% of households in Scotland are in fuel poverty; considers that this problem can be tackled more effectively if more resources are made available for impartial, expert advice to be delivered; understands that organisations struggle to offer these services due to a lack of funding, and supports CAS’s call for the Scottish Government to invest more in face-to-face fuel poverty advice services.

That the Parliament acknowledges a report by Citizen Advice Scotland (CAS) showing that 26.5% of households in Scotland are in fuel poverty; considers that this problem can be tackled more effectively if more resources are made available for impartial, expert advice to be delivered; understands that organisations struggle to offer these services due to a lack of funding, and supports CAS’s call for the Scottish Government to invest more in face-to-face fuel poverty advice services.

That the Parliament congratulates North Lanarkshire Schools Novice and Juvenile Pipe Bands on being invited to 2019’s Tartan Day celebrations in New York; applauds the success that they have had in 2017 in winning three championships; notes that the Novice Juvenile won the Champion of Champions title for the best performance across the five annual major pipe championships; commends the band for securing runner-up place at the World Championships held at Glasgow Green in August 2018; recognises the efforts of all involved, including through volunteering and giving time, and wishes everyone involved in promoting piping and in performing the best for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates North Lanarkshire Schools Novice and Juvenile Pipe Bands on being invited to 2019’s Tartan Day celebrations in New York; applauds the success that they have had in 2017 in winning three championships; notes that the Novice Juvenile won the Champion of Champions title for the best performance across the five annual major pipe championships; commends the band for securing runner-up place at the World Championships held at Glasgow Green in August 2018; recognises the efforts of all involved, including through volunteering and giving time, and wishes everyone involved in promoting piping and in performing the best for the future.

That the Parliament recognises Challenge Poverty Week 2018, which runs from 1 to 7 October; notes the activities and events across Scotland to mark the week, including at the Conforti Institute in Coatbridge, to highlight the realities of, as well as the possible solutions to, poverty; understands that one million people in Scotland are living in poverty; considers that it is not right that so many people in society are locked into this; believes that it restricts the choices that people can make; notes the view that the grip of poverty can be loosened by boosting incomes, reducing costs and ensuring that everyone can participate in society, and commends the work taking place every day in communities across Scotland to tackle poverty.

That the Parliament recognises Challenge Poverty Week 2018, which runs from 1 to 7 October; notes the activities and events across Scotland to mark the week, including at the Conforti Institute in Coatbridge, to highlight the realities of, as well as the possible solutions to, poverty; understands that one million people in Scotland are living in poverty; considers that it is not right that so many people in society are locked into this; believes that it restricts the choices that people can make; notes the view that the grip of poverty can be loosened by boosting incomes, reducing costs and ensuring that everyone can participate in society, and commends the work taking place every day in communities across Scotland to tackle poverty.

That the Parliament notes that 20 to 26 June is National Breastfeeding Week 2018; recognises what it sees as the huge advantages of breastfeeding both for mother and child; commends the almost 500 premises in Lanarkshire that are part of the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme; praises Lanarkshire Breastfeeding Initiative’s work, which is led by a group of excellent volunteers, in promoting the values and the practice of breastfeeding among the public; believes however that, despite the benefits of breastfeeding and the strengthening of mothers’ rights to do this in public, stigma and prejudice is still pervasive, and agrees that every mother in Scotland should be able to feel comfortable breastfeeding her baby in public.

That the Parliament notes that 20 to 26 June is National Breastfeeding Week 2018; recognises what it sees as the huge advantages of breastfeeding both for mother and child; commends the almost 500 premises in Lanarkshire that are part of the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme; praises Lanarkshire Breastfeeding Initiative’s work, which is led by a group of excellent volunteers, in promoting the values and the practice of breastfeeding among the public; believes however that, despite the benefits of breastfeeding and the strengthening of mothers’ rights to do this in public, stigma and prejudice is still pervasive, and agrees that every mother in Scotland should be able to feel comfortable breastfeeding her baby in public.

That the Parliament understands that, following its recent parliamentary election, Cuba now has the second highest number of women deputies, or members of parliament, in the world; applauds the almost 80% turnout with approximately seven million people participating in the vote; recognises that it is the communities themselves that decide which candidates will be on the ballot paper and that the electoral system is based on public participation; acknowledges that senior officials have a two-term limit; applauds the many reforms introduced by Raul Castro during his presidency, and sends its best wishes to the new President, Miguel Díaz-Canel, who was elected by the members of the National Assembly.

That the Parliament understands that, following its recent parliamentary election, Cuba now has the second highest number of women deputies, or members of parliament, in the world; applauds the almost 80% turnout with approximately seven million people participating in the vote; recognises that it is the communities themselves that decide which candidates will be on the ballot paper and that the electoral system is based on public participation; acknowledges that senior officials have a two-term limit; applauds the many reforms introduced by Raul Castro during his presidency, and sends its best wishes to the new President, Miguel Díaz-Canel, who was elected by the members of the National Assembly.

That the Parliament is concerned by the figures in the recent Scottish Government report, Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland: 2014-17, which reportedly show that, before housing costs, the number of children living in poverty in Scotland has risen and that the number of children living in absolute poverty has stagnated at 210,000; considers that the Scottish Government has also overseen a rise in income inequality, which, measured by the Palma coefficient, has increased from 21% in 2013-16 to 24% in 2014-17, and believes that radical action must be taken to address the levels of poverty and inequality in Scotland.

That the Parliament is concerned by the figures in the recent Scottish Government report, Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland: 2014-17, which reportedly show that, before housing costs, the number of children living in poverty in Scotland has risen and that the number of children living in absolute poverty has stagnated at 210,000; considers that the Scottish Government has also overseen a rise in income inequality, which, measured by the Palma coefficient, has increased from 21% in 2013-16 to 24% in 2014-17, and believes that radical action must be taken to address the levels of poverty and inequality in Scotland.

To ask the Scottish Government what the average waiting time is in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for a hip operation.

Answered byJeane Freeman
(20/02/2019):

Data for waiting times is collected at speciality level, not procedure. Latest published data shows that for the quarter ending September 2018 the median waiting time for an Orthopaedic inpatient or day case appointment was 98 days.

The Health Board are taking a number of steps to improve the situation including providing additional clinics, making full use of capacity at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, and recruiting additional staff.

In line with the Waiting Times Improvement Plan the Golden Jubilee National Hospital have committed to 90 additional Orthopaedic Joint procedures. This activity commenced in January 2019.

Current Status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 20/02/2019

To ask the Scottish Government what the average waiting time is in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for a hip operation.

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has (a) sought and (b) received from NHS boards regarding how they allocated the (i) first £51.6 million and (ii) second £50 million tranche of funding to improve waiting times, and whether it will publish information on what each board delivered and within which service as a result of this funding.

Current Status: Expected Answer date 28/02/2019

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has (a) sought and (b) received from NHS boards regarding how they allocated the (i) first £51.6 million and (ii) second £50 million tranche of funding to improve waiting times, and whether it will publish information on what each board delivered and within which service as a result of this funding.

To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS boards are required to report to it a breakdown of how they allocated the first £51.6 million and second £50 million tranches of its funding to improve waiting times.

Current Status: Expected Answer date 28/02/2019

To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS boards are required to report to it a breakdown of how they allocated the first £51.6 million and second £50 million tranches of its funding to improve waiting times.

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £750,000 committed to the Workplace Equality Fund in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan has been spent; which employers have received funding, and how they have spent it.

Current Status: Expected Answer date 14/03/2019

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £750,000 committed to the Workplace Equality Fund in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan has been spent; which employers have received funding, and how they have spent it.

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £12 million committed to employment support in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan has been spent; which organisations and agencies have delivered employment support using this funding; where the support has been delivered, and how many people have received support.

Current Status: Expected Answer date 14/03/2019

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £12 million committed to employment support in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan has been spent; which organisations and agencies have delivered employment support using this funding; where the support has been delivered, and how many people have received support.

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £1.35 million committed to initiatives with colleges and the Student Awards Agency for Scotland’s (SAAS) outreach programme in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan has been spent; where the funding has been spent; which colleges have received funding; how many people have been supported, and how the funding has been used by SAAS’s outreach programme.

Current Status: Expected Answer date 14/03/2019

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £1.35 million committed to initiatives with colleges and the Student Awards Agency for Scotland’s (SAAS) outreach programme in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan has been spent; where the funding has been spent; which colleges have received funding; how many people have been supported, and how the funding has been used by SAAS’s outreach programme.

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £7.5 million Innovation Fund committed to in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan has been spent; which organisations have received funding, including any that successfully bid for money via application, and how much each received.

Current Status: Expected Answer date 14/03/2019

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £7.5 million Innovation Fund committed to in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan has been spent; which organisations have received funding, including any that successfully bid for money via application, and how much each received.

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £1 million committed to research on children experiencing food insecurity in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan has been spent, and whether it will provide details of the nature of this research.

Current Status: Expected Answer date 14/03/2019

To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £1 million committed to research on children experiencing food insecurity in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan has been spent, and whether it will provide details of the nature of this research.

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